The exasperation amuses him. One side of his mouth tugs higher. He toys with his empty tankard between both hands, a slow roll back and forth with thumbs stopping the handle and reversing the direction each time. "Do I seem shocked? Truly?" The half smile inches higher yet.

The smile fades shortly afterward, though, and the steady gaze shifts to the side, something in him shuttering off again. "It's not always that simple." No one in Kinloch Hold was mistreated. If anything they were lenient, for all the good it did.

"We are grateful for what you've done here and are continuing to do." Brisk now, business-like. "Soon enough I'll be looking into getting a new First Enchanter appointed. I'd appreciate your input into the matter."